Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza stand with Sonam Wangchuk, urge peace and unity
Sonakshi Sinha and Dia Mirza supported Sonam Wangchuk and students protesting at Jantar Mantar after the police removed them from Jantar Mantar. His support came as his health intensified calls for accountability, dialogue and education reforms.
Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Dia Mirza have extended their support to education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk amid the ongoing student-led protests. His statement came after Wangchuk was taken away by police from New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar early Saturday while he was on hunger strike. As the protest gained momentum, both the actors urged people to stand in solidarity with the movement.
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In a video shared on Instagram, Sonakshi criticized the police action and expressed relief that Wangchuk is safe. He said, “What happened to Sonam sir today was not right. I am happy that he is fine and his wife is with him. He is strong, he is alert. In the last few days, I have seen him and thousands of people standing with him.”
roar The actor then praised the students and youth standing with the activist and said, “No matter what was happening, they remained calm, respectful and expressed their views without violence. We all know that the strength of the country lies in its youth. Now, after seeing them, I feel that this is true. Even after all the inconveniences, disappointments and difficulties, the way you have held on to your beliefs, I salute you.”
The actress ended her video with a special request to all those who marched to Parliament on July 20, saying, “Raise your voice, but remain who you are, the biggest strength of your movement. Peace, unity and respect.”
Dia also extended her support to Wangchuk and the protesting students through a statement shared on Instagram. Supporting their demands, she said that she stands with those demanding greater accountability, transparency and meaningful reforms in India’s education system while expressing solidarity with the peaceful movement.
The post also mentions fellow hunger strikers Neha, Amin and Manish, drawing attention not only to Wangchuk but also to the young protesters leading the movement.
She wrote, “I stand with the students of this country. I support the right to peaceful protest. I stand with the demand for accountability, transparency and reform in our education system. I stand with Sonam Wangchuk, Neha and Amin and Manish (sic).”
She captioned the post, “I hear you, I see you, I stand with you.” I have been and will continue to support the students of my country. I hear you, I see you, I stand with you. I support Sonam ji’s demand for dialogue. I support their right to protest.”
Sonakshi Sinha and Dia Mirza join the league of stars including Hrithik Roshan, Omi Vaidya, Zeenat Aman, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Soni Razdan and Abhay Deol among others who have voiced their support for Sonam Wangchuk and the CJP (Cockroach Janata Party) protest.
Sonam Wangchuk’s health
Sonam Wangchuk has been admitted to the hospital. Safdarjung Hospital officials on Saturday said the 59-year-old worker has refused to take intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and other medicines despite showing symptoms of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities.
He was admitted to the government hospital when his health deteriorated after a 20-day hunger strike. According to the hospital, Wangchuk is under constant medical observation and is being advised to accept treatment in the interest of his health. He was shifted from Jantar Mantar after the police cited medical advice and directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janata Party-led protest over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive exams as well as alleged deaths of students linked to the issue. His health continued to deteriorate during the three-week fast.